Uganda and Tanzania play out rain-soaked draw in AFCON Group C clash

The Cranes made a few notable changes to their starting line-up, handing Mamelodi Sundowns veteran Denis Onyango a start in goal, while Allan Okello was recalled to the XI.

Tanzania, known as the Taifa Stars, included creative midfielder Faisal Salum from the outset.

Uganda began brightly, with Okello influential in the early exchanges as he saw plenty of the ball and looked to dictate play. He tested his luck with a speculative long-range effort, but the attempt drifted wide of the target.

Tanzania responded through Salum, whose clever assist found Novatus Dimas on the half-hour, only for the midfielder to fire over. Just before the interval, Kelvin John rose highest from a corner but headed narrowly over to ensure the sides went into the break level.

The match sparked into life after half-time when Baba Alhassan conceded a penalty after being adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

Simon Msuva made no mistake from the spot, sending Onyango the wrong way to give Tanzania the lead. Alhassan was soon withdrawn and replaced by Denis Omedi as Uganda looked for a response.

That change paid dividends when substitute Uche Ikpeazu powered home a near-post header, finishing off a delivery from Omedi to bring the Cranes back on level terms.

Uganda pushed for a late winner and were handed a golden opportunity two minutes from full-time when Haji Mnoga fouled in the box. However, Okello’s penalty was saved, denying the Cranes a dramatic victory.